European pewter

Pewterwares were made in virtually all European countries, especially in the north, and examples will be found throughout the continent, often displaying distinct regional styles. Collectors coming across such items tend to buy them because they like them or, more likely to add another example to a themed collection.

N.B. in the 17th & 18th centuries, the best pewter was made from English tin and was exported in ingot form. Continental makers therefore indicated this origin as a quality mark on their wares. Normally, this is obvious, e.g. ‘Engels Zinn’, but often a simple ‘LONDON’ was used to denote English pewter and quality and this can lead to confusion. Also, the crowned rose mark has been used all over Europe and new collectors can be forgiven for thinking this is a Tudor rose indicating an English piece.

Help from the Pewter Society

The Society is willing to help members of the public identify individual items of pewter if we can.

This service is free, but it is not available to dealers nor to individuals if the sole purpose of the identification is to facilitate the sale of the item.